Reflections on the Loss of My Grandson: How Life Events Change Social Work Practice

Authors

  • Ann Gantt New Hope Counseling Center
  • Geoffrey Greif University of Maryland

Keywords:

Black males, homicide, gun violence, grief, loss

Abstract

This firsthand account sheds light on my (Gantt’s) experience as a grandmother and former victim advocate who lost her young Black grandson at the hands of another young Black male. I was a school social worker at the time. In this piece, I and second author Greif describe how I received support from colleagues and clients. My experiences have made me a better social work practitioner as I work to make meaning of my loss.

Author Biographies

Ann Gantt, New Hope Counseling Center

Ann Gantt, PhD, LCSW is Counseling Supervisor, New Hope Counseling Center, Quarryville, PA (717-468-3062, algphd@comcast.net).

Geoffrey Greif, University of Maryland

Geoffrey Greif, PhD, LCSW-C is Distinguished University Professor, School of Social Work, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD (410-706-3567; ggreif@ssw.umaryland.edu).

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Published

2024-05-10

How to Cite

Gantt, A., & Greif, G. (2024). Reflections on the Loss of My Grandson: How Life Events Change Social Work Practice. Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping, 30(2), 69–82. Retrieved from https://reflectionsnarrativesofprofessionalhelping.org/index.php/Reflections/article/view/2021

Issue

Vol. 30 No. 2 (2024)

Section

Table of Contents

License

REFLECTIONS:
NARRATIVES OF PROFESSIONAL HELPING
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